The Colorado Center for the Blind is a world-renowned training center located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Littleton, Colorado, about 13 miles south of Denver. Since its establishment in 1988, the Colorado Center has provided innovative teaching techniques and philosophy that continues to have Far-reaching effects on the lives of blind people, taking them to new heights of independence. The Colorado Center training techniques and teaching methods are based on the positive philosophy of the NFB which states that, “with proper training and opportunity, blind people can compete on terms of equality with their sighted peers”.

Included below, is their monthly newsletter full of inspiring stories and accomplishments, upcoming events and training programs.Message from the Director - Take charge with confidence and self-reliance -Yesterday [October 7, 2015] we gathered together to hear some of our students present speeches that they had prepared for their public speaking class. Each student is required to take this class while attending our Independence Training Program. I was struck by the variety of the speeches and by the poise that each student radiated as they presented. Curtis from Missouri told us how important it is to have a good attitude; Jenny from Kansas talked about how enriching it is to travel and let us know that she plans to travel to the Four Corners area in the next year,; Haylee taught us all about synesthesia; and Vicki described the love that she has for the people at the Center and how being here has opened up her life. I will keep these speeches close to me, because each student that walks in our doors gives all of us so much as they learn and grow. We will be putting excerpts of student speeches on our website. Enjoy them!In the past year we have had full access to our gym at all times. The fitness programs have dramatically grown as a result of this. There is a variety of exercise equipment in the gym. Classes offered at the Center for all of our students include aerobic dance, yoga and Zumba. We also have goalball at least once each week.See the calendar to get an idea of the upcoming events. Thanks to all of you for your support.Program NotesYouth ProgramThe Colorado Center has been buzzing with activity all summer long and has not slowed down. I want to thank each of you for taking the time to learn about what we have been doing. Our summer youth program was a great success. Thanks to the Verizon Foundation, we will be developing and offering several programs to blind youth and their instructors in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.Independence Training ProgramAt this time we have over thirty students enrolled in our Independence Training Program. We have students here from all over the country and the world. We are excited to have Poonam here from India and Lian from China. We currently have four students with us who use guide dogs. They are pleased to have the opportunity to work hard on developing more skill using a cane during their training day. The students just completed our rock climbing sessions and enjoyed going to clear Creek Canyon and Eldorado Canyon. Being in the mountains and hearing the river run and breathing the fresh air while climbing is spectacular.Senior ProgramOur Senior Program has grown as a result of a grant that we received from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. We are serving blind seniors in an eight county area. We have hired an outreach specialist and will be offering tactile art and sewing classes in addition to the discussion groups and blindness skills classes that we are teaching.Senior groups are available weekly. For more information, please call Duncan Larsen at 303-778-1130 extension 226.Upcoming EventsNovember 13 Youth: 10 am to 1 pm - Shark Dissection with Arapahoe Community College at the Colorado Center for the Blind. This is an annual favorite. We will work with Terry Harrison to once again provide the opportunity for blind and visually impaired students who are in middle school and high school to dissect a dogfish shark.November 14 Youth: 10 am to 2 pm - FAST program. We will preparing a small Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. Learn how to carve, mash potatoes, bake a pie and everything related to this fantastic and festive holiday!!!For youth activities, please contact Brent if you have any questions or to RSVP bbatron@cocenter.org or 303-778-1130 x 222To refer someone who is interested in training, please call Robert Dyson at 303-778-1130 extension 249.